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Pro-Russian Separatists To Join Ukrainian Cease-Fire

Originally published on Mon June 23, 2014 4:29 pm

By Scott Neuman

Alexander Borodai, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic," attends a news conference in Donetsk on June 21. Borodai announced Monday that his forces would honor a temporary Ukrainian cease-fire.

Shamil ZhumatovReuters/Landov

In a potential de-escalation in fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists, the insurgents now say they will join Kiev in observing a temporary cease-fire.

The BBC reports that the rebel announcement was made in Donetsk by Alexander Borodai, a leader of the self-styled "Donetsk People's Republic."

The Associated Press notes: "The insurgents had previously demanded the Ukrainian military withdraw its troops from the east as a condition for any talks, so Borodai's statement represented a softened stance that raised expectations that the cease-fire could hold. Even before the insurgents made their pledge, the government said that there had been no fighting in the east since Monday morning."

"The rebels say they will not disarm until Ukrainian government troops have left the east. The militants still control key government buildings across Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

" 'The ceasefire will take effect as announced earlier — until 10:00 (07:00 GMT) on 27 June,' Mr Borodai said, referring to President Poroshenko's declaration on Friday. 'During that time there will be ceasefire monitoring by Russia and the OSCE.'

" 'We hope that during the ceasefire both sides will manage to reach agreement and start consultations on how to proceed with talks and a peace settlement.' "